Modular magnetic desk pad system

ABSTRACT

A modular desk pad system including a desk pad and at least one attachment. The desk pad can include at least one permanent magnetic sheet embedded therein and the at least one attachment can include a flexible magnetic metal sheet or a complementary permanent magnetic sheet embedded therein. The attachment is removably attachable to the desk pad by way of an interaction of the permanent magnetic sheet of the desk pad and the flexible magnetic metal sheet or complementary permanent magnetic sheet of the attachment.

BACKGROUND

When working with computers and computing devices, proper posture and hand support are crucial to avoid long-term injuries. Supports may be places in desired locations, depending on the task to be performed. For example, wrist supports may be placed in front of a mouse or a keyboard. However, such supports are typically not attached to the desk surface, resulting in frequent displacement by sliding, accidental impact, or even mere application of pressure from a user's wrists during interaction with the mouse and keyboard. Such displacement can reduce the benefits of the supports.

Supports can also be provided as part of a pad structure, where a large pad is placed beneath the keyboard and mouse, and the supports are integrated into the pad. While such an arrangement prevents accidental displacement, it presents disadvantages as the supports cannot be removed or relocated when it is desired to do so. Accordingly, a solution that allows for such supports to be securely positioned as well as moved and removed, is desired.

SUMMARY

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a modular desk pad system including a desk pad and at least one attachment is disclosed. The desk pad can include at least one permanent magnetic sheet embedded therein and the at least one attachment can include a flexible magnetic metal sheet or a complementary permanent magnetic sheet embedded therein. The attachment is removably attachable to the desk pad by way of an interaction of the permanent magnetic sheet of the desk pad and the flexible magnetic metal sheet or complementary permanent magnetic sheet of the attachment. The desk pad can further include an upper pad layer, a lower pad layer, and an intermediate pad layer that includes the permanent magnetic sheet, while the attachment can further include an upper attachment layer, a lower attachment layer, and an intermediate attachment layer that includes the flexible magnetic metal sheet or the complementary permanent magnetic sheet. In some exemplary embodiments, the upper pad layer, lower pad layer, and intermediate pad layer may extend conterminously over the area of the desk pad. In some exemplary embodiments, the permanent magnetic sheet can be provided as at least one strip. The attachment can include one or more of a wrist support, an electronic device support, a stationery item holder, and a personal item support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a modular desk pad system.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of an exemplary desk pad and attachment.

FIG. 3A shows an exemplary embodiment of a desk pad.

FIG. 3B shows another exemplary embodiment of a desk pad.

FIG. 3C shows another exemplary embodiment of a desk pad.

FIG. 3D shows another exemplary embodiment of a desk pad.

FIG. 4A shows exemplary embodiments of mouse wrist supports.

FIG. 4B shows further exemplary embodiments of mouse wrist supports.

FIG. 5 shows exemplary embodiments of keyboard wrist supports.

FIG. 6 shows exemplary embodiments of attachments for a modular desk pad system.

FIG. 7 shows another exemplary embodiment of a desk pad.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section of another exemplary embodiment of a desk pad and attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 1-2 , a modular desk pad system 100 is disclosed. Desk pad system 100 may include a desk pad 110 and at least one attachment 150. Attachment 150 may be removably attachable to desk pad 110 such that, when attached, the attachment 150 is coupled to desk pad 110 so as to be maintained at the location of attachment until an application of force sufficient to slidably move the attachment on, or detach the attachment from, desk pad 110.

Desk pad 110 may include at least three layers, an upper layer 112, a lower layer 114, and an intermediate layer 116 disposed therebetween. Upper layer 112 and lower layer 114 may be made from any material that enables system 100 to function as described herein. For example, upper layer 112 may be chosen based on a desired look and feel; similarly, lower layer 114 may be chosen based on a desired resistance to sliding against a desk surface. Exemplary materials for upper layer 112 and lower layer 114 may include leather or imitation leather, vinyl, silicone, suede or imitation suede, rubber, or any other material as desired. It should be appreciated that the amount of layers should not be considered as limiting and additional layers may be provided as desired.

Interposed between upper layer 112 and lower layer 114 may be intermediate layer 116. Intermediate layer 116 may include a magnetic material. In one exemplary embodiment, intermediate layer 116 may be provided as a permanent magnetic sheet or as a sheet of magnetic metal. As used herein, “permanent magnet” means a magnetic material that exerts a magnetic force, and “magnetic metal” means a magnetic material that is not a permanent magnet and that is attracted by a magnetic force.

Attachment 150 may likewise include at least three layers, an upper layer 152, a lower layer 154, and an intermediate layer 156 disposed therebetween. Upper layer 152 and lower layer 154 may be made from any material that enables system 100 to function as described herein. For example, upper layer 152 may be chosen based on a desired look and feel; similarly, lower layer 154 may be chosen based on a desired interaction with the upper layer 112 of pad 110. For example, both pad upper layer 112 and attachment lower layer 154 may be chosen such that the attachment can slide on the pad, and such that the attachment can be maintained in contact with the pad without causing damage, marking, or other permanent impressions on either layer 112 or 154. Exemplary materials for upper layer 152 and lower layer 154 may include leather or imitation leather, vinyl, silicone, suede or imitation suede, rubber, or any other material as desired. It should be appreciated that the amount of layers should not be considered as limiting and additional layers may be provided as desired.

In some exemplary embodiments, upper layer 152 of attachment 150 may have additional materials woven into, interspersed, impregnated, or otherwise provided within the upper layer. Such additional materials may include, for example, materials which may have therapeutic qualities when in close proximity to a user. For example, upper layer 152 may have copper thread woven throughout all or a part of upper layer 152, may have therapeutic magnetic elements included therein, and so forth. Alternatively, magnetic materials may be also have therapeutic qualities when in close proximity to a user. Additionally any other known material having therapeutic qualities may be contemplated and provided as desired.

Interposed between upper layer 152 and lower layer 154 may be intermediate layer 156. Intermediate layer 156 may include a magnetic material. In one exemplary embodiment, intermediate layer 156 may be provided as a permanent magnetic sheet or as a sheet of magnetic metal. If attachment intermediate layer 156 includes a permanent magnet, then pad intermediate layer 116 may include a magnetic metal. Similarly, if attachment intermediate layer 156 includes a magnetic metal, then pad intermediate layer 116 may include a permanent magnet. Additionally, if both pad intermediate layer 116 and attachment intermediate layer 156 include permanent magnets, then the permanent magnets may be oriented such that, when attachment lower layer 154 is in facing relation to pad upper layer 112, the permanent magnets exert an attractive force on each other.

According to various exemplary embodiments, in desk pad 110, the magnetic material of intermediate layer 116 may be provided in various configurations. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the magnetic material may be provided as a sheet 160 extending over the entire area of intermediate layer 116 (i.e., the entire area of desk pad 110). In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the magnetic material may be provided as a sheet 162 extending over a portion of the area of intermediate layer 116. In such embodiments, sheet 162 may have any desired shape, for example a rectangular shape, a square shape, a U-shape, and so forth. In yet other exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3C-3D, the magnetic material may be provided as at least one strip 164, or a plurality of strips 164 disposed at desired intervals and extending longitudinally or transversely across pad 110. In yet further embodiments, the magnetic material may be provided at predetermined spot locations, or a grid of individual spot locations. In embodiments where the area of magnetic material is less than the area of intermediate layer 116, the remainder of intermediate layer 116 being provided as any desired material having substantially the same thickness as the magnetic material. For example, the area of magnetic material may be at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 90%, or 100%, or any other desired percentage of the area of intermediate layer 116. Furthermore, desk pad 110 may be provided in any desired size that enables the desk pad to function as described herein. Exemplary dimensions for desk pad 110 may include, but are not limited to, 24″×13″, 31″×15″, and 36″×17″.

According to various exemplary embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 4-6 , various types of attachment 150 may be provided. For example, attachment 150 may be provided as a wrist support. The wrist support may be sized and shaped so as to be used with a mouse (mouse wrist support 170), a laptop (laptop wrist support 172), and/or a standalone keyboard (keyboard wrist support 174). Each of the wrist supports may be provided in any size and shape that enable the supports to function as described herein. Exemplary dimensions of mouse wrist support 170 may be between 5″ and 7″ in length and between 2.5″ and 3.5″ in width. FIG. 4A shows non-limiting examples of shapes for mouse wrist support 170. Exemplary dimensions of keyboard wrist support 174 may be between 16″ and 20″ in length and between 3″ and 5″ in width. FIG. 5 shows non-limiting examples of shapes for keyboard wrist support 174.

In yet other exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , further types of attachments 150 may be provided. The various attachments 150 may include, but are not limited to, electronic device supports, personal item supports, stationery holders, item supports, and so forth. As further non-limiting examples, attachments 150 may include a tablet stand or support, a stylus support or dock, a mobile device stand or support, a computer stand or support, a speaker, a keyboard, a wireless charging pad or support, a headphone dock, a clock, a desk light, a calculator, a peripheral hub, a cable organizer, a pen holder, a business card holder, a notepad holder, a sticky note holder, an item tray, an eyeglass holder or support, a name tag, a drink cup support or coaster, a mirror, a picture frame, and so forth. All such attachments 150 may include at least a layer having a magnetic metal or permanent magnet therein, and may a lower layer and an intermediate layer as described hereinabove. The upper layer of such attachments 150 may include any structure known in the art that enables the attachment to perform its intended function and to function as described herein.

Attachments 150 may be arranged on pad 110 as desired by the user. For example, the keyboard/laptop and mouse wrist supports may be positioned on the desk pad in any position that the user finds comfortable. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , a mouse wrist support may be positioned on either side of the keyboard or laptop wrist support, as desired by the user. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4B, if additional comfort or support is desired, several wrist supports may be used together to provide a larger support surface for a user's arm.

When positioned, each attachment 150 may be maintained in place by magnetic force between pad 110 and the attachment 150. The magnetic force may be sufficiently strong so as to maintain the attachments in place under application of typical forces when the attachments are used (for example, regular usage of the wrist supports). The attachments 150 may resist sliding on the surface of pad 110 under application of typical forces when in use by the user. The attachments may further be repositioned as desired by the user, for example by lifting the attachment 150 from the surface of pad 110 and positioning the attachment on any other desired location on pad 110. For example, a mouse wrist support may be moved from the right side of a keyboard support to the left side thereof, as desired by the user. In some embodiments, the attachment 150 may also be slid on top of the surface of pad 110 upon application of sufficient additional force. The various embodiments of attachments 150 may function in a substantially similar manner.

In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 , desk pad 110 may include a wireless charging device 180 embedded therein. Wireless charging device 180 may be embedded in any one or more of the layers of desk pad 110, such that desk pad 110 presents a flat or flush upper surface.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of modular desk pad system 200, as shown in FIG. 8 , desk pad 210 may be formed from a single layer 218, or at least a single layer 218. The layer 218 may have permanent magnetic flakes 219 embedded therein. Desk pad 210 can therefore provide a magnetic force without a separate layer of magnetic material. The layer 218 may be made from any material that enables system 200 to function as described herein. For example, the layer 218 may be chosen based on a desired look and feel and/or a desired resistance to sliding against a desk surface. Exemplary materials for layer 218 may include leather or imitation leather, vinyl, silicone, suede or imitation suede, rubber, or any other material as desired. It should be appreciated that the amount of layers should not be considered as limiting and additional layers may be provided as desired.

Similarly, attachment 150 may likewise be formed from a single layer 258, or at least a single layer 258 and an upper layer 252. Layer 258 may include magnetic metal flakes 259 embedded therein. Attachment 250 can therefore be attracted to a magnetic force without a separate layer of magnetic metal. The layer 258 may be made from any material that enables system 200 to function as described herein. For example, the layer 258 may be chosen based on a desired look and feel and/or a desired interaction with an upper surface of desk pad 210. Exemplary materials for layer 258 may include leather or imitation leather, vinyl, silicone, suede or imitation suede, rubber, or any other material as desired. It should be appreciated that the amount of layers should not be considered as limiting and additional layers may be provided as desired.

It should further be appreciated that the embedded materials of layers 218 and 258 may be reversed; i.e., layer 218 having embedded magnetic metal flakes and layer 258 having embedded permanent magnet flakes. It should further be appreciated that pad 210 may be used with the embodiment of attachment 150, and attachment 250 may be used with the embodiment of pad 110, so long as the magnetic material layers are correspondingly matched such that an attractive force results between the pad and the attachment.

Accordingly, the embodiments of the modular desk pad system disclosed herein allow a user to conveniently and securely place various attachments on the desk pad according to any comfortable, convenient, or otherwise desired configuration.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. A modular desk pad system, comprising: a desk pad having an upper pad layer, a lower pad layer, and an intermediate pad layer disposed between the upper pad layer and lower pad layer; and at least two attachments, removably attachable to the desk pad; wherein the intermediate pad layer comprises at least one of a permanent magnetic material or a magnetic metal material; wherein the permanent magnetic material or magnetic metal material is disposed at intermittent locations in the desk pad, wherein the at least two attachments comprise a complementary flexible permanent magnetic material or complementary magnetic metal material, wherein the desk pad has a uniform thickness and a flat upper surface.
 2. The modular desk pad system of claim 1, wherein the upper pad layer, lower pad layer, and intermediate pad layer extend conterminously over an area of the desk pad.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The modular desk pad system of claim 1, wherein the desk pad comprises an embedded wireless charging device and wherein the at least two attachments are two or more of a wrist support, an electronic device support, a stationery item holder, and a personal item support.
 5. The modular desk pad system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two attachments comprises a therapeutic material.
 6. The modular desk pad system of claim 5, wherein the therapeutic material is copper.
 7. A modular desk pad system, comprising: a desk pad having a plurality of independent magnetic elements dispersed throughout the desk pad; and at least one attachment having a complementary magnetic material embedded therein; wherein the at least one attachment is removably attachable to the desk pad by way of an interaction of the magnetic elements and the complementary magnetic material, wherein the desk pad has a uniform thickness and a flat upper surface.
 8. The modular desk pad system of claim 7, wherein: the attachment comprises an upper attachment layer, a lower attachment layer, and an intermediate attachment layer that includes the complementary magnetic material.
 9. The modular desk pad system of claim 8, wherein the desk pad comprises an upper pad layer, a lower pad layer, and an intermediate pad layer that extend conterminously over an area of the desk pad.
 10. The modular desk pad system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material is provided as at least two strips.
 11. The modular desk pad system of claim 7, wherein the desk pad comprises an embedded wireless charging device and the at least one attachment is one or more of a wrist support, an electronic device support, a stationery item holder, and a personal item support.
 12. The modular desk pad system of claim 8, wherein the upper attachment layer comprises a therapeutic material.
 13. The modular desk pad system of claim 12, wherein the therapeutic material is copper.
 14. A modular desk pad system, comprising: a desk pad having at least one magnetic layer having magnetic properties or that is magnetically sensitive by way of magnetic or metal flakes dispersed throughout a material of the layer, wherein the magnetic layer extends continuously across an entirety of the desk pad; and at least one attachment having at least one layer that is magnetically sensitive or having magnetic properties; wherein the at least one attachment is removably attachable to the desk pad by way of a magnetic interaction between the desk pad and the attachment, wherein the desk pad has a uniform thickness and a flat upper surface, and wherein the magnetic layer extending continuously across an entirety of the desk pad is configured to secure the at least one attachment at any location on an upper surface of the desk pad.
 15. The modular desk pad system of claim 14, wherein: the desk pad comprises an upper pad layer, a lower pad layer, and an intermediate pad layer; and the attachment comprises an upper attachment layer, a lower attachment layer, and an intermediate attachment layer that is magnetically sensitive or has magnetic properties.
 16. The modular desk pad system of claim 15, wherein the upper pad layer, lower pad layer, and intermediate pad layer extend conterminously over an area of the desk pad.
 17. The modular desk pad system of claim 14, wherein the desk pad comprises a single layer having flakes of magnetic material embedded therein and wherein the single layer is made of silicone and is flexible.
 18. The modular desk pad system of claim 14, wherein the desk pad comprises an embedded wireless charging device and wherein the at least one attachment is one or more of a wrist support, an electronic device support, a stationery item holder, and a personal item support.
 19. The modular desk pad system of claim 14, wherein an upper attachment layer comprises a therapeutic material.
 20. The modular desk pad system of claim 19, wherein the therapeutic material is copper. 